Fresh from Jesus’ ascension, and fuelled by expectation of promise, it’s no wonder this first prayer meeting flows unstoppably. Its other defining characteristic is its roll call: all are present, each one important. In particular, Luke lists 11 apostles by name, making the absence of the 12th even more conspicuous (v 13). The core of the new community of God’s people is incomplete, one short of symbolising the 12 tribes of Israel. Yet Judas’ difficult story isn’t skimmed over; his deceit and death are understood as outworkings of God’s word (vs 16–20). How ready are we to see God’s hand even in seeming setbacks?

When it comes to filling Judas’ place, one criterion outweighs all others: having been present, with the disciples and with Jesus, for the duration of his earthly ministry (v 21). Within this parameter, and submitted to God in prayer, lots are used for the last time in New Testament church governance (v 26). Leadership is vital and providing for its continuation is key: we must take our place. But whether we steer ourselves or spearhead global organisations, what matters most is that we are present with Jesus and his church. 

Teach us to pray, Lord, especially in difficult times.

When the disciples returned to Jerusalem following their encounter with the risen Lord, they met together in an upper room. Was this the same ‘large room upstairs’ in which they had shared the Last Supper with Jesus?¹ If so, how evocative must the ‘empty chair’ have been, adding to their sense that they existed in a totally new situation, a realisation which prompted them to join together in constant prayer (v 14). There was, of course, another absentee from the gathering: the tragedy of Judas loomed large in their thinking. Peter’s words concerning the disciple who had betrayed their Lord, stressing that he had been ‘one of our number and shared in our ministry’ (v 17), expresses the shock and pain they felt that a close companion had deceived them and fallen prey to the love of money! There is a searching challenge here to all who hold positions of authority, as well as to congregations seeking new leaders. The fervent prayer of the church in Jerusalem was that God, who knows everyone’s heart, would reveal his choice to lead his people (v 24). The process used to discern the right people for Christian leadership is a secondary matter; of first importance is the desire that God’s will be done.

The description of those present in the upper room includes Simon the Zealot, which suggests that a range of political views was possible when the ultimate loyalty was given to the crucified and risen Saviour. Note also the presence of ‘the women and Mary the mother of Jesus’ (v 14), the same group that had accompanied Jesus during his ministry and had followed him to Calvary and to the empty tomb.² If a Zealot in the apostolic group seems countercultural, so too was the prominence given to women, a frequent emphasis in Luke’s writing.

Why not focus your prayer on Christian leaders known to you? 

¹ Luke 22:12  ² Luke 8:1–3; 23:27; 24:1,10